Welcome to Beat to Quarters, a Play-by-Post Text Roleplay set in 1741. It's the Age of Sail, and also the Age of Piracy here in the West Indies. Will you fight for King and Country and uphold the law here at the edge of colonial civilization? Or will you pillage and plunder to your black heart's content? The wind's a-blowin' and the sea awaits, so prepare for adventure...

September, 1741:

Madre de Dios, a Spanish galleon loaded with gold, is on her way back to Europe with her convoy. But an ambush lies in wait for her in the Inaguas – the Sea Hound is planning a bold assault on the larger ship, her pirate crew willing to risk it all for gold and glory. But Sea Hound is both predator and prey, as the HMS Steadfast closes in for another encounter with her quarry. The deadly showdown between the three forces is fast approaching...

After "Beat to Quarters" closed, "Before the Mast" is the site leading the stories in the West Indies... but in 1720. Active since August 2010.

Liz's enthusiasm, dedication, and talent all make her an invaluable member of the BtQ community! Her recent character, Dr. Daniel Hedge has proved to be a fine addition to Steadfast's crew, and a source of brilliant posting. Her commitment to character development makes each of her posts a joy to read. Congratulations!

You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.

What is the level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) of this board?BtQ is described as an advanced RPG, but what does that mean?

BtQ is an advanced RPG. Players are expected to be skilled writers, both in terms of mechanics (grammar, spelling, vocabulary) and style. You should be able to create multi-dimensional characters and to develop story-lines. You should be able to advance the plot in concert with others.

In terms of structure BtQ is free-form. Every player is responsible for creating interaction and involving their own characters in the game. Don't expect situations to be created for you that you can then let your characters react to. Even in group threads, it is up to you to include your characters.

Of course, we help where we can, especially newcomers. If you feel you're not involved enough or have questions about character development or want to discuss plot ideas, we're here to assist.

A word about plot development, in case that isn't clear, it does need to be historically and logically plausible. You can't write about Davy Jones attacking Steadfast with a shotgun.

How much importance is placed on historical accuracy?

We strive for a high degree of historical accuracy, and some players looking to join may find us too restrictive. We enjoy researching history for our characters and posts. We read historical sources or history books for pleasure. We love historical fiction.

No one is expected to have detailed knowledge about the 18th century, but players are expected to look things up as necessary and to do their own research. Sometimes things slip by, and if discovered later, we may retroactively correct it. Tattoos are an example of this.

If this doesn't appeal to you, have a look at our Age of Sail affiliates listed in the sidebar, some of them allow for more freedom with history.

We are also a site focused on the seafaring aspects of that period in history. Most of our stories and interaction involves life and work aboard the ships. Land-based interaction is secondary, and land dwelling characters have less opportunity to interact. Most of the players who have a land-based character also have a character or more on the ships.

Generally, no. There are historical records showing the existance of female pirates and even women aboard Navy ships, but they were rare exceptions. If you have a very well written character application, a very plausible background story, we may make an exception. We'll also take into account whether there already is a female character on the ship. You can contact the admins to ask. But generally, no.

Please note: your first character needs to be a ship-based character since that is the focus of our RPG; additional characters can be land-dwelling.

How much activity is there?

It varies. Some threads move every other day. Others develop more slowly. You should post at least once a week. Also see rule 9.

What happens in the case of absence?

Absence is not a problem. If you'll be gone for more than a week, please inform us, e.g. by a post to the in absentia thread.

If you disappear for a month without notice, your character(s) will be considered abandoned. Also see rule 9.

How does one link to a post directly?

Click on the "Posted" link before the date in the header of a post. A box with the direct url will open.

How does one add a custom member title?

Under "My Controls", in the section "Personal Profile" choose "Edit Profile info". Right in the first line you'll be able to add a custom title. If possible please choose something that identifies your character, e.g. job and ship or location.

What's the deal with Avatars/Graphics/Play-bys? Is there a face claim?

We have no official policy on graphics or play-bys: images are optional, and players are permitted to represent their characters however they want, be it with photos, drawings, paintings, etc. Some players make their own photo-manipulation graphics, while others adapt period portraiture for avatars. There is no face claim, so just be courteous – if someone is using an image, try not to use the same one. For graphics resources, go to this topic.

A lot of officers seem to be played by staff members. What's up with that?

We promise that we aren't a bunch of shameless nepotists! While a number of staff members also hold prominent IG roles, this is because all staff, save for Lei (the root admin) were originally players. As BtQ expanded, players who had shown exemplary commitment and initiative in game as players were invited to join as staff. Many of those players already occupied roles such as lieutenants, masters, captains, etc., and kept those positions after assuming staff roles. The plot is in no way designed or manipulated to highlight the staff or exclude any players – all roles are important!